10/01/2026
🏡 What do national economic trends mean for your next move in the CSRA?
Today, I attended a market update with National Association of REALTORS® Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun, and one thing really stood out: mortgage rates are only one piece of a much bigger picture.
A few of the factors we discussed:
💰 Conflict in the Persian Gulf and rising oil prices can add inflation pressure, making it harder for interest rates to come down.
🏢 The AI investment boom and massive government borrowing are creating significant demand for financing, which can influence borrowing costs.
🏠 Nationally, slow sales ≠ lower prices. Home prices have remained firm even as sales have slowed. Augusta is experiencing some similar patterns, although what we're seeing can vary quite a bit by neighborhood and price range.
And that's the thing about real estate: the factors affecting the market are constantly changing, and they don't all move independently.
So what does that mean locally?
For buyers, focus less on trying to perfectly time interest rates and more on whether the payment and home make sense for your budget and goals.
For sellers, thoughtful pricing and preparation matter when buyers have more choices and homes are taking longer to sell.
The national economy gives us the bigger picture. My job is to help connect that bigger picture to your goals here in the CSRA.
Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s talk about what these trends mean for you. 💛
Your home deserves my time.
Kristen Harper | Associate Broker
Weichert Realtors, Cornerstone
Licensed in GA & SC
